Matt LeBlanc offered more bucks to get back behind the wheel for season 2

Los Angeles - Matt LeBlanc is reportedly being offered a mega money deal to host the second series of Top Gear.

The former Friends star was showered with compliments on when the first episode of the revamped motoring show hit screens, while his co-host Chris Evans was slapped with criticism, and now bosses are keen to pull out all the stops to get him on board the next instalment in a bid to persuade viewers to tune in.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Matt came across really well, he can drive and certainly knows his motors. Matt is crucial to the success going forward."

And it's no wonder producers are keen to do all they can to spruce up the show as the first episode over the weekend opened with its lowest viewing figures in over a decade.

The show pulled in just 4.4. million viewers - 1.4 million less than the last series with ousted host Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May - but peaked to 4.7 million throughout the episode.

Chris, 50, previously said he would be "disappointed" if the opening show attracted under 5 million viewers.

Meanwhile, although bosses are keen to sign Matt, 48, for the second series, it's thought his busy work schedule may throw their plan on its head as he's got a 13-episode run in the US comedy I'm Not Your Friend.